Coming off the end of the M4 today the Zed decided that it was going to have issues selecting. It got progressively got worse and I eventually realised the clutch was not disengaging from the fly wheel. I managed to get the vehicle to work, by starting it in 2nd gear and driving in 2nd to work. After puttting in on stands and looking at the clutch I realise there is not much movement at the slave cylinder end, but all seems well with no leakage there at that end. I had a go at bleeding it but no luck, it still wouldnt didengage. All seems well with the fork etc are still in place, and the gearbox seems to select fine when the engine is off. So I gave up and got it towed home, THANKS NRMA. After getting it off the truck I start it in gear, only to find that it will now select gears and disengage???? WTF??? I assume the clutch master has gone as I have fixed the slave cylinder before and all seems well at that end with no leaks etc. I can not seem to see any leaks at the master end except to say I believe it is common for them to die internally and leak as such with no signs. I assume it is failing once hot from the engine and the fluid/air loss. Has anyone had a similar experience?? with these dying, or ideas MattB
What does it feel like? Squishy at all? Fluid level ok? They can leak into the cabin and make a nice mess on your carpet.
Feel varies but this morning it fealt good till I got to the busiest road on my journey and it fealt a little soft but not exceptionally so. After looking at it, it doesnt seem to be leaking inside although it wouldnt be visible as it would be down under the lining and carpet.
Have you tried adjusting the master cylinder? It may need adjusting because the clutch has worn. It is in a **** of a position to adjust. Previously I suggested adjustment should be on the slave.
You would be able to see if it is leaking in the cabin thats where mine was leaking when it shit itself. Was fine when the rod was pushed in to engage the clutch, but as i disengaged and the rod came out, it was pulling the oil out with it.
Feedback - I have take the master and slave cylinder both out and are having a kit put through them. For Future reference the slave cylinder internals are the same as the Datsun 1600, so you can buy the 1600 slave cylinder ($15) and take its internals and put them in our after a hone to clean it up. The 1600/Zed etc reco kit is $35!!!!. The slave cylinder is close but slightly off centre to ours. Kevin is working on finding a solution atm for the Master cylinder at the min let you know when its sorted.
Had exactly the same thing on my zed. Engine stalled when I stopped at the shops with the clutch pedal down, didn't think much of it till I came back out and had trouble engaging 1st gear. Gradually got worse on the way home till I couldn't change gear at all and had to call RAA for a tow home. Before they got there though the clutch felt better again and when they checked it all seemed Ok, no leaks, clutch operating as it should. I drive it home, 20ks through the suburbs, stopping at lights etc no trouble. Then it started playing up again. Had the mechanic look at it and the clutch master was letting fluid back past the rubbers but not all the time. $385 for a new clutch master incl labour. All good now.
I went with a new Master cylinder and slave about 8 years ago after having leaking issues with a rebuilt master. Only $94 US for the Master and $42 for the slave from Coz, not much more than rebuilding and more likely to be trouble free.
